Dental instrument assemblies and components for use within dental instrument assemblies

ABSTRACT

Dental instrument assemblies (e.g., mouth pieces, bite blocks, vacuum dental mirrors, illuminated dental mirrors, illuminated dental wedges, trans-illumination dental instrument, illuminated dental bite blocks, etc.) are provided. The dental instrument assemblies may be adapted to be periodically sterilized. The dental instrument assemblies may include a magnetically energetic fiber optic coupler. The magnetically energetic fiber optic coupler may be configured to allow dental instrument adapter to rotate with respect to an associated fiber optic cable that is removably connected to the magnetically energetic fiber optic coupler. The dental instrument assemblies may include a fiber optic material that is encapsulated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/959,238, entitled OPTICAL FIBER COUPLERS ANDCOMPONENTS FOR USE IN OPTICAL FIBER COUPLERS, filed Apr. 22, 2018, theentire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/959,238 is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/133,555, entitled DENTAL BITE BLOCKASSEMBLY, filed Apr. 20, 2016; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/807,465, entitled ILLUMINATED DENTALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLIES AND COMPONENTS FOR USE WITHIN ILLUMINATED DENTALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLIES, filed Nov. 8, 2017, the entire disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/133,555 claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/150,448, entitled Dental Bite BlockAssembly, filed Apr. 21, 2015, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/807,465 claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/422,669, entitled Magnetically Coupled FiberOptic Lighted Dental Mirror, filed Nov. 16, 2016; 62/422,927, entitledMagnetically Coupled Fiber Optic Tooth Illumination Pick Light Tool forDentistry, filed Nov. 16, 2016; and 62/423,607, entitled illuminatedDental Wedge, filed Nov. 17, 2016; the entire disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to dental instrument assemblies(e.g., vacuum valves, illumination and vacuum adaptors, illuminateddental mirrors, illuminated dental wedges, illuminated dental picks,illuminated dental bite blocks, vacuum dental mirrors, illuminatedvacuum dental mirrors, illuminated vacuum mouth pieces, etc.), andcomponents for use within illuminated dental mirror assemblies. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to dental instrumentassemblies that are adapted to be periodically sterilized.

BACKGROUND

Dental procedures and/or examinations often require a dentist and/ordental hygienist to work under numerous limitations, primarily amongthem being restricted physical access available for performing dentalprocedures within a patient's mouth and limited ambient light. Forexample, during dental procedures, the patient's mouth must often timesreceive a dental hand instrument, a dental drill unit, a saliva ejectiontube to evacuate particulates and/or saliva from the patient's mouthduring the dental procedure, which typically require assistance of aanother person, such as a dental assistant. In addition, use of dentalaccessories (e.g., light sources, tongue depressors, vacuum mouthpieces, illuminated mouth pieces, vacuum mouth pieces with bite block,illuminated vacuum mouth with bite block, dental mirrors, etc.) isoccasionally required.

Use of optoelectronic devices having external light sources (e.g., anoverhead light source, a dentist head-mounted light source, etc.)require alignment of the external light source and/or the patient's headto be periodically adjusted during a dental procedure. Periodicrealignment of either the patient's head or an external light sourceoften requires the dentist to be distracted and, is at best, cumbersome.Frequently, dental instruments, used during dental procedures, oftenblock or create shadows that prohibit external light from reaching anassociated mirror and/or a work area needing light to aid in theprocedure being performed.

Prior attempts to introduce a light source, that emit light or provideluminous emittance from inside the patient's mouth, add furtherobstruction and/or limit access for performance of dental procedures andtypically required use of two hands, or a dental assistant, to attach orremove the light source. Known illuminated dental mirrors include lightsources that generate unacceptable heat. Moreover, prior attempts tointroduce an inter-oral light source, from which the light is emitted,from within a patient's mouth have not accounted for the need toperiodically sterilize the light source after every use.

Prior attempts to introduce illuminated dental instruments inside apatient's mouth included associated instruments having rough surfacesand/or couplers with crevices to which bacteria and blood attached.Prior attempts also failed to project high enough LUX with an acceptablecolor temperature (Kelvin) to aid in trans-illumination of teeth forassistance in diagnoses. Furthermore, attempts to use a lighted dentalmirror for long periods of time or hours of continuous use in a dentalpractice each and every day have been cost prohibitive and unreliable.Hence, an illuminated dental instrument (e.g., an illuminated dentalmirror, an illuminated dental wedge, an illuminated dental bite block,an illuminated dental pick, etc.) assembly which overcomes thesedrawbacks would be advantageous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A dental instrument assembly may include a dental instrument adapterhaving an illumination source connection, a vacuum source connection,and a dental instrument connection. The vacuum source connection may beswivably connectable to a vacuum source. The illumination sourceconnection may be swivably connectable to an illumination sourceindependent of the vacuum source connection to the vacuum source. Thedental instrument connection may be connectable to a removable dentalinstrument.

In another embodiment, a dental instrument may include a dentalinstrument having at least one receptacle configured to receive arespective adapter interlock of a dental instrument adapter. The dentalinstrument may be a mouth piece having a first front flap, a secondfront flap, a first rear flap, and a second rear flap. A front perimeteraround an outer edge of the first front flap and an outer edge of thesecond front flap may be less than a rear perimeter around an outer edgeof the first rear flap and an outer edge of the second rear flap.

In a further embodiment, a dental instrument assembly may include adental instrument having an integral bite block. The dental instrumentmay be a mouth piece having a first front flap, a second front flap, afirst rear flap, and a second rear flap. A front perimeter around anouter edge of the first front flap and an outer edge of the second frontflap is less than a rear perimeter around an outer edge of the firstrear flap and an outer edge of the second rear flap.

An illuminated dental instrument assembly may include a fiber opticcable coupler including a magnetically energetic material. The fiberoptic cable coupler may be configured to allow the illuminated dentalinstrument assembly to rotate with respect to an associated fiber opticcable. The illuminated dental mirror may also include a handle that atleast partially encapsulates a fiber optic element within a handlematerial that does not degrade when sterilized in an autoclave. Anilluminated dental instrument assembly may include smooth surfaces andlight couplers free of crevices, such that bacteria and blood may notattach to the illuminated dental instrument assembly.

An illuminated dental instrument assembly may include an axiallymagnetized linear fiber optic coupling system. An axially magnetizedlinear fiber optic coupler may reduce binding and allow quick and easyengagement (e.g., may only require one hand of a user). An axiallymagnetized linear fiber optic coupler may reduce, or eliminate,associated wear. An illuminated dental instrument assembly may projecthigh enough LUX with an acceptable color temperature (Kelvin) to aid intrans-illumination of teeth for assistance in diagnoses.

In another embodiment, an illuminated dental instrument assembly mayinclude a fiber optic cable coupler. The fiber optic cable coupler maybe configured to allow the illuminated dental instrument assembly torotate with respect to an associated fiber optic cable. The illuminateddental mirror may also include a handle that at least partiallyencapsulates a fiber optic element within a handle material that doesnot degrade when sterilized in an autoclave.

In a further embodiment, an illuminated dental instrument assembly mayinclude a fiber optic cable coupler including a magnetically energeticmaterial. The fiber optic cable coupler may be configured to allow theilluminated dental instrument assembly to rotate with respect to anassociated fiber optic cable. The illuminated dental mirror may alsoinclude a handle having a fiber optic element extending from a proximalend of the handle to a distal end of the handle.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts various example dental instrument assemblies within adental examination/operatory room;

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict example dental instrument assemblies withillumination and/or saliva evacuation;

FIGS. 3A-D depict various views of an example valve assembly;

FIGS. 4A-H, 4J-N, 4P and 4Q depict various views of an example dentalinstrument adapter;

FIGS. 5A-D depict various views of an example saliva evacuation dentalmirror assembly;

FIG. 6 depicts an example dental saliva evacuation mirror and salivaevacuation assembly; and

FIGS. 7A-H and 7J-L depict various views of an example mouth piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Dental instrument assemblies are provided that may incorporate bothsaliva evacuation and inter-oral illumination. The associated dentalinstruments and components for use within the dental instrumentassemblies may be sterilizable without destruction. For example, thedental instruments and components for use within the dental instrumentassemblies may be sterilizable in an autoclave at 121° C. for at least30 minutes by using saturated steam under at least 15 psi.

Illuminated mouth pieces and components for use within illuminateddental instrument assemblies are provided. The illuminated dentalinstrument assemblies may be sterilized in, for example, an autoclave ora chemical solution after use with each given patient. The illuminateddental instrument assembly components may include materials thatwithstand exposure to high temperatures (e.g., temperatures in excess of121° C. Exterior components of the illuminated dental instrumentassemblies may include materials that withstand exposure to hightemperatures and chemicals used for sterilization.

An illumination source may be communicatively connected to anilluminated dental instrument assembly via, for example, a fiber opticcable via at least one rotatable fiber optic coupler. The rotatablefiber optic coupler may be a magnetic light coupler (e.g., a magneticlight coupler as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 20160310234). The fiber optic cable may include amagnetic light coupler on each end (i.e., a first magnetic light couplermay connect to the light source and a second magnetic light coupler mayconnect to the illuminated dental mirror assembly).

As described in detail herein, an illuminated dental instrument mayinclude a fiber optic element and extending between a magnetic lightcoupler on a first end of the handle to an optic element on a second endof the illuminated dental instrument. The fiber optic element may beencapsulated within other materials that may provide rigidity and/orisolation from an environment surrounding the illuminated dentalinstrument assembly (e.g., a dentist's hands, a dental assistant'shands, an interior of a dental patient's mouth, chemical sterilization,an autoclave, etc.). A fiber optic element may convey, and anilluminated dental instrument assembly may emit, for example, 80,000 LUXwithin a mouth of a patient.

As referenced in the figures, the same reference numerals may be usedherein to refer to the same parameters and components or their similarmodifications and alternatives. For purposes of description herein, theterms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the claimedinvention as oriented in FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood thatthe invention may assume various alternative orientations, except whereexpressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood thatthe specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings,and described in the following specification are simply exemplaryembodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relatingto the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered aslimiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. The drawingsreferenced herein are schematic and associated views thereof are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

Turning to FIG. 1 , a dental examination/operatory room 100 may includean illuminated dental mirror 183 interconnected with a light source 121(e.g., a reorientable overhead light source, an independent lightsource, etc.) via, for example, a fiber optic cable 122. A light source121 may include, for example, a light engine (e.g., Model No.HYLUX-STM-B, as available from Ascentcare Dental, Inc., Nunica, MI, anylight source as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 20160310234, a light emitting diode (LED) light sourcegenerally, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) lightsource, a laser light source, a single-mode laser, Laser Light forLighting, available from Kyocera-SLD Laser (kyocera-sldlaser.com),etc.). The fiber optic cable 122 may be similar to, for example, a fiberoptic cable as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 20160310234, along with associated magnetic couplings.The fiber optic cable 122 may include, for example, a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) material (e.g., ESKA P/N: GHEV4002). The fiber opticcable 122 may have a refractive index of, for example, 1.49. The fiberoptic cable 122 may have a transmission loss of, for example,approximately 170 dB/km. The fiber optic cable 122 may have a bandwidthof, for example, 40 MHz. The fiber optic cable 122 may have atemperature range of, for example, −55° C. to 95° C. Associated magneticlight couplers (not shown in FIG. 1 ) may be similar to, for example, amagnetic light coupler as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 20160310234. In fact, the light source 121,the fiber optic cable 122, and magnetic light couplers may be similar tothe light delivery system as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 20160310234.

The dental operator room 100 may include a reorientable dental patientchair 105 having a headrest 106, a dentist assistant chair 107, adentist assistant tray 109 with vacuum sources 110, a dentist chair 108having a dental instrument rack 184, a dentist station 116, a dentalassistant station 117, a plurality of foot operated switches 111-115, anoverhead support structure 118, at least one wireless batterycharger/wireless communication hub 119 (e.g., an infraredcharger/transponder, an electromagnetic charger/transponder, etc.), anda desktop computer 120. The wireless battery charger 119 may be, forexample, KIIK as provided by WI-CHARGE LTD., 3 Pekeris St. Rehovot,7670203, Israel, having a total number of clients 1-50, 24 Wh/day, atotal delivered power of 500 mW, a field of view of 100°/100 m², amaximum transmission distance of 10 m, an output voltage of 5Vconfigurable, and embedded energy storage (e.g.,super-capacitor/rechargeable battery). Alternatively, the wirelessbattery charger/transponder 119 may, for example, include a KIIK, asprovided by WI-CHARGE LTD., 3 Pekeris St. Rehovot, 7670203, Israel,having a number of clients 1-10, a total delivered power of 1000 mW, afield of view of 100°/100 m², a maximum transmission distance of 8 m, anoutput voltage of 5V configurable, and embedded energy storage (e.g.,super-capacitor/rechargeable battery). A first one of the plurality offoot operated switches 111-115 may be configured to, for example,activate the wireless battery charger/transponder 119. The wirelessbattery charger 119/transponder may charge a battery within, forexample, a light engine 121.

The dentist station 116 and/or the dental assistant station 117 mayinclude a light source 121 and an associated magnetic light coupler. Asecond one of the plurality of foot operated switches 111-115 may beconfigured to, for example, activate a first light source 121 (e.g., avisible light emitter 500-700 nm). A third one of the plurality of footoperated switches 111-115 may be configured to, for example, activate asecond light source 121 (e.g., a blue light emitter, a ultra-violate Clight emitter). The visible light emitter may be used to, for example,illuminate an interior of a dental patient's mouth. The blue light(e.g., 380-500 nm, 225-360 nm, 280-315 nm, 315-400 nm, a light emitterwith a user adjustable wavelength emission, a light emitter with a useradjustable intensity, any sub-combination thereof, a combinationthereof, etc.) emitter may be used to, for example, cure an associatedblue light curable dental product (e.g., an adhesive, a filler, etc.)and/or disinfect an area proximate a dentist, a dental assistant, apatient, a sub-combination thereof, or a combination thereof.

A forth one of the plurality of foot operated switches 111-115 maycontrol a pneumatically operated dental instrument. A fifth one of theplurality of foot operated switches 111-115 may control a vacuum sourceto control, for example, a saliva (liquid, debris, etc.) ejectionelement of a dental instrument assembly. For example, a dentalinstrument assembly may include a vacuum valve 135 and a fiber opticconnection 122 functionally interconnected to a mouth piece 185 via adental instrument adapter 150. Further details of these dentalinstrument assemblies and components for use within these dentalinstrument assemblies are described herein.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a dental instrument assembly withillumination and/or saliva evacuation 200 a,b may include a fiber opticelement 222 b removably connected to a dental instrument adapter 250 bvia, for example, a magnetic coupler 251 b. The dental instrumentassembly with illumination and saliva evacuation 200 a,b may alsoinclude a vacuum line 223 a,b removably connected to the dentalinstrument adapter 250 b (or an evacuation mirror 270 a) via, forexample, a pneumatic coupling 254 a,b. The vacuum line 223 a,b may beconnected to a vacuum source 224 a,b via, for example, a valve 235 a,bhaving a thumb operating lever 236 a,b. The dental instrument assemblywith illumination and saliva evacuation 200 a,b may also include a wristband 201 a,b having a clasp 202 a,b and a vacuum line snap in clamp 203a,b. The valve 235 a,b may be similar to, for example, the valve 135 ofFIG. 1 . The dental instrument adapter 250 b may be similar to, forexample, the dental instrument adapter 150 of FIG. 1 . Further detailsof the valve 235 a,b and the dental instrument adapter 250 b aredescribed herein.

The dental instrument assembly with illumination and saliva evacuation200 a,b may further include a mouth piece 285 b having at least onereceptacle 287 b configured to receive at least one adapter interlock253 b when the mouth piece 285 b is operably engaged with the dentalinstrument adapter 250 b. The mouth piece 285 b may be similar to, forexample, the mouth piece 185 of FIG. 1 . Further details of the mouthpiece 285 b are described herein.

While the dental instrument assembly with illumination and salivaevacuation 200 a,b is illustrated as having both the fiber optic element222 b and the vacuum line 223 a,b connected to the adapter 250 b viaindependent connections (i.e., the fiber optic element 222 b and thevacuum line 223 b may be connected to, or discounted from, the dentalinstrument adapter 250 b independent of one another), the dentalinstrument assembly with illumination and saliva evacuation 200 b may beused in a limited operation mode with either the fiber optic element 222b and/or the vacuum line 223 b disconnected from the adapter 250 b. Inany event, the fiber optic element 222 a,b and/or the vacuum line 223a,b may be swivalably connected to the adapter 250 b such that twistingof the fiber optic element 222 b and the vacuum line 223 b are reducedrelative to when swivable connections are not provided.

Turning to FIGS. 3A-D, a valve assembly 300 a-d may include a valve body335 a-d having a rotatable barrel 337 a-d removably inserted in thevalve body 335 a-d. The valve assembly 300 a-d may be similar to, forexample, the valve 135 of FIG. 1 or the valve 235 of FIG. 2 . The valveassembly 300 a-d may include, for example, a user thumb lever control336 a-d configured to enable user control of the valve assembly 300 a-d,via a thumb of the user, when the valve assembly 300 a-d is held in arespective hand of the user. The valve assembly 300 a-d may includefirst and second barrel o-rings 346 c,d configured with respectivebarrel annual grooves and valve body grooves such that the barrel 337a-d is linearly removably snap fit within the valve body 335 a-d,rotatable and pneumatically sealed therewithin. The barrel 337 a-d mayinclude a bore having a cross section opening equal to, or greater than,a bore of an associated dental instrument adapter 150, 250. While notshown in FIGS. 3A-D, the valve assembly 300 a-d may include a remote,wireless, control interconnection.

The valve assembly 300 a-d may further include a vacuum source connecter338 a-d and a dental instrument connector 339 a-d. As described herein,the vacuum source connecter 338 a-d and/or the dental instrumentconnector 339 a-d may be removably and/or swivably connected to thevalve body 335 a-d. Thus, twisting of associated vacuum lines is reducedrelative to when a swivable connection is not provided. For example, thevacuum source connecter 338 a-d may include a male hose engagement 340c,d and a male swivel connection 341 c,d for linear snap receptionwithin a valve body female receptacle 342 c,d with o-ring 346 c,d. Thedental instrument connector 339 a-d may include a male hose engagement345 c,d and a female swivel connection 344 c,d with o-ring 346 c,d forlinear snap reception within a valve body male plug 343 c,d.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-H, 4J-N, 4P and 4Q, dental instrument adapter400 a-h,j-n,p,q may include an adapter body 450 a-g,j,k having anillumination source connection 451 a-f,l,m, a vacuum source connection454 a-f,n, and a dental instrument connection 452 a-f,h,g,k. The dentalinstrument adapter 400 a-h,j-n,p,q may be similar to, for example, thedental instrument adapter 150 of FIG. 1 or the dental instrument adapter250 of FIG. 2 . The dental instrument adapter 400 a-h,j-n,p,q may alsoinclude an optical element (e.g. a element, a Borosilicate Glasselement, a quartz, a simax glass rod, as available fromhttps://fdglass.com/our-products/simax-glass-tubing-rod/a quartzelement, as available fromhttps://fdglass.com/our-products/quartz-tubing-rod/, a PMMA element, afiber optic element, etc.) 455 a-f,g,k extending, for example, from theillumination source connection 451 a-f,l,m to the dental instrumentconnection 452 a-f,h,g,k. Each end of the optical element 455 a-f,g,kmay be polished. Alternatively, a distal end of the optical element 455a-f,g,k may be rough to diffract associated light as the light isemitted from the optical element 455 a-f,g,k. Additionally, either endof the optical element 455 a-f,g,k may include a convex lens, a concavelens, etc. depending on desired light pattern desires.

The dental instrument connection 452 a-f,h,g,k may include at least oneadapter interlock 453 a-f,g,k configured to be received within arespective receptacle (e.g., at least one of receptacle 787 a of FIG.7A) of a removable dental instrument (e.g., mouth piece 700 a-h,j-l ofFIGS. 7A-H and 7J-L) when the removable dental instrument 700 a-h,j-l isoperably encaged with the dental instrument connection 452 a-f,h,g,k.The dental instrument adapter 400 a-h,j-n,p,q may also include amagnetically energetic material 456 d-f.

The optical element 455 a-f,g,k may be retained within the dentalinstrument adapter 400 a-h,j-n,p,q with a silicone material (e.g.,DOWSIL 734, available from the Dow Chemical Company, a clear siliconerubber, etc.). A melting point of the silicone material may be greaterthan 121° C. An index of refraction of the silicone material (e.g.,1.20-1.4) may be less than an index of refraction of the optical element455 a-f (e.g., 1.40-1.6). Thereby, end to end light transmission of theoptical element 455 a-f,g,k may be increased relative to using asilicone material with a higher index of refraction.

The illumination source connection 451 a-f,l,m may include a cup shapedcap with male threaded portion 458 e,f,l to be received within anadapter body female threaded portion 457 e,f, g,j. The vacuum sourceconnection 454 a-f,n may include a male linear snap in portion 461 e,f,qand a female threaded receptacle 460 e,f,p configured to receive anadapter body male threaded portion 459 e,f,h,g,j,k. Additionally, oralternatively, the cup shaped cap with male threaded portion 458 e,fand/or the vacuum source connection 454 a-f,n may be fixed to the dentalinstrument adapter body 450 a-f,g,j,k via any mechanism capable of beingautoclaved without disengagement (e.g., adhesive, friction spin welding,electric welding, Scotch-Weld Epoxy adhesive 2216, available from 3MCorporation, etc.). The dental instrument adapter body 450 a-f,g,j,k,the cup shaped cap with male threaded portion 458 e,f and/or the vacuumsource connection 454 a-f,n may be made of aluminum. Forming the dentalinstrument adapter 400 a-h,j-n,p,q of the three individual pieces (e.g.,the dental instrument adapter body 450 a-f,g,j,k, the cup shaped capwith male threaded portion 458 e,f, and the vacuum source connection 454a-f,n) enables machining a bore through the dental instrument adapterbody 450 a-f,g,j,k free of any discontinuities in associated bore walls.The bore through the dental instrument adapter body 450 a-f,g,j,k mayinclude a cross section area greater than, or equal to, a bore throughan associated valve 135, 235, 400 a-d. The dental instrument adapterbody 450 a-f,g,j,k, the cup shaped cap with male threaded portion 458e,f, and the vacuum source connection 454 a-f,n may be made of aluminum.

Turning to FIGS. 5A-D, a saliva evacuation dental mirror assembly 500a-d may include tubular body 570 a-d having a hand-hold portion 571 a-dand a male vacuum source connection 572 a-d with circumferentiallyextending o-ring groove(s) 573 a-d (i.e., having two or more linearlyspaced o-ring grooves may accommodate various female receptacles on, forexample, an associated valve, vacuum hose, etc.). The saliva evacuationdental mirror assembly 500 a-d may also include head 574 a-d, having aplurality of openings 576 a-d extending around a perimeter, connected toa distal end of the tubular body 570 a-d. The head 574 a-d is configuredto receive a dental mirror element 575 a-d, an o-ring 580 c,d, and abottom 577 b-d having a plurality of apertures 578 b-d and alignmentfeatures 579 c. The tubular body 570 a-d, the hand-hold portion 571 a-d,the male vacuum source connection 572 a-d, the head 574 a-d, and/or thebottom 577 b-d may be made of aluminum.

With reference to FIG. 6 , a dental saliva evacuation mirror and salivaevacuation assembly 600 may include a saliva evacuation dental mirrorassembly 670 connected to a vacuum source 610 via, for example, aswivable linear snap in connecter 671. The dental saliva evacuationmirror and saliva evacuation assembly 600 may also include a salivaejection tube 684 connected to the vacuum source 610. The dental salivaevacuation mirror and saliva evacuation assembly 600 may be similar to,for example, the dental saliva evacuation mirror and saliva evacuationassembly 184 of FIG. 1 . The saliva evacuation dental mirror assembly670 may be similar to, for example, the saliva evacuation dental mirrorassembly 500 a-d of FIGS. 5A-D.

Turning to FIGS. 7A-H and 7J-L, a dental instrument (i.e., a mouthpiece) 700 a-h,j-l may include a body portion 785 a-e having a salivaejection port 786 a-e and at least one receptacle 787 a,c configured toreceive a respective adapter interlock (e.g., adapter interlock 453 a-f)when the mouth piece is operably encaged with, for example, a dentalinstrument connection. The mouth piece 700 a-h,j-l may be similar to,for example, the mouth piece 185 of FIG. 1 or the mouth piece 285 ofFIG. 2 . The mouth piece 700 a-h,j-l may include an integral bite block788 a,b,e. The mouth piece 700 a-h,j-l may be injection molded ofsilicon (e.g., Silicon, as available from Doneson DSA-7140, etc.)

The mouth piece 700 a-h,j-l may include a first front flap 789 b, asecond front flap 790 b, a first rear flap 791 a, and a second rear flap793 a. A front perimeter around an outer edge of the first front flap789 b and an outer edge of the second front flap 790 b may be less thana rear perimeter around an outer edge of the first rear flap 791 a andan outer edge of the second rear flap 793 a. This configuration may, forexample, result in improved dental patient comfort, improved salivaevacuation, lower vacuum induced noise, etc.

An outer edge of the first front flap 789 b and an outer edge of thesecond front flap 790 b may include a respective sidewall 794 b,f havinga non-planar bottom 799 b,f. The first front flap 789 b, the secondfront flap 790 b, the first rear flap 791 a, and the second rear flap793 a may include a plurality of apertures 792 b, 794 a, 799 b. At leasta portion of a distal end 795 a,b of the first front flap 789 b and thesecond front flap 790 b may be connected to at least a portion of adistal end 798 a,b of the first rear flap 791 a and the second rear flap793 a. As best illustrated in FIGS. 7J-L, the connection of the distalends 795 a,b, 798 a,b may define a distal end of a core 784 g,h,j-l. Aninner edge of the first front flap 789 b may be connected with an inneredge of the second front flap 790 b via a core 784 g,h,j-l. An inneredge of the first rear flap 791 a may be connected with an inner edge ofthe second rear flap 793 a via the core 784 g,h,j-l. The core 784g,h,j-l may include a first side wall extending between the first frontflap 789 b and the first rear flap 791 a. The core 784 g,h,j-l mayinclude a second side wall extending between the second front flap 790 band the second rear flap 793 a. A distance between the first side walland the second side wall may increase along the core 784 g,h,j-lstarting from the exhaust port 786 a,b of the mouth piece 700 a-h,j-l toa distal end 795 j-l of the mouth piece 700 a-h,j-l. The core mayfunction as a light pipe to transmit light from, for example, an opticalelement 455 a-f (i.e., a distal end of an optical element 455 a-f may begenerally aligned with a proximal end of the core 784 g,h,j-l when anassociated mouth piece 700 a-h,j-l is engaged with, for example, adental instrument adapter 400 a-h,j-n,p,q. A cross section of the firstside wall and/or the second side wall may define a continuous curve withrespect to a corresponding inner surface of the respective top flapand/or bottom flap. Alternatively, a cross section of the first sidewall and/or the second side wall may define a fileted curve.

In any event, the specific the mouth piece 700 a-h,j-l shapes mayimprove sterilization ability, improved ability to resist debrisbuildup, reduced vacuum induced noise, etc. The shape of the core 784g,h,j-l (both plan and profile) may also result in improved structuralperformance (i.e., a dental patient's cheek may be pushed outward by thedistal end of the mouth piece 700 a-h,j-l.

The shape of the core 784 g,h,j-l as best illustrated in FIGS. 7J-L may,for example, improve mouth piece 700 a-h,j-l cleaning, sterilization,saliva evacuation, vacuum induced noise, etc. The section view of FIG.7F is taken along the section line 7F-7F of FIG. 7C. The section view ofFIG. 7H is taken along the section line 7H-7H of FIG. 7D. The sectionview of FIG. 7G is taken along the section line 7G-7G of FIG. 7E.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described invention and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of theinvention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “operably connected” generallymeans that one component functions with respect to another component,even if there are other components located between the first and secondcomponent, and the term “operable” defines a functional relationshipbetween components.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat, unless otherwise described, many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, useof materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited.For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrallyformed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwisevaried, the length or width of the structures and/or members or coupleror other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number ofadjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. Itshould be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating positions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present invention, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A mouth piece of a dental instrument assembly, themouth piece comprising: a body portion having an ejection portconfigured to engage a dental instrument adapter; a core extending fromthe body portion to a distal end of the mouth piece; a first front flapand a second front flap each having inner edges connected via the core;a first rear flap and a second rear flap each having inner edgesconnected via the core; wherein the core includes a first side wallextending between the first front flap and the first rear flap and thecore includes a second side wall extending between the second front flapand the second rear flap, the core defining a distance between the firstand second side walls; wherein an outer edge of the first front flap andan outer edge of the second front flap include a respective sidewallhaving a non-planar bottom; and wherein the first rear flap and thesecond rear flap include a substantially planar surface facing thenon-planar bottom of the first and second front flaps.
 22. The mouthpiece of claim 21, wherein a front perimeter around the outer edge ofthe first front flap and the outer edge of the second front flap is lessthan a rear perimeter around an outer edge of the first rear flap and anouter edge of the second rear flap.
 23. The mouth piece of claim 22,wherein the distance defined by the core between the first side wall andthe second side wall increases along the core starting from the ejectionport to the distal end of the mouth piece.
 24. The mouth piece of claim22, wherein the first front flap and the second front flap include afront set of apertures, and wherein the first rear flap and the secondrear flap include a rear set of apertures.
 25. The mouth piece of claim24, wherein the front set of apertures are offset from the rear set ofapertures so as to not overlap each other.
 26. The mouth piece of claim21, further comprising an integral bite block.
 27. The mouth piece ofclaim 21, wherein the body portion includes a receptacle configured toreceive a respective adapter interlock when the ejection port isoperably engaged with a dental instrument adapter.
 28. The mouth pieceof claim 21, wherein the body portion includes a first receptacleconfigured to receive a first respective adapter interlock when theejection port is operably engaged with a first dental instrumentadapter, and wherein the body portion includes a second receptacleconfigured to receive a second respective adapter interlock when theejection port is operably engaged with a second dental instrumentadapter.
 29. A mouth piece of a dental instrument assembly, the mouthpiece comprising: a body portion having an ejection port configured toengage a dental instrument adapter; a core extending from the bodyportion to a distal end of the mouth piece; a first front flap and asecond front flap each having inner edges connected via the core; afirst rear flap and a second rear flap each having inner edges connectedvia the core; wherein the core includes a first side wall extendingbetween the first front flap and the first rear flap and the coreincludes a second side wall extending between the second front flap andthe second rear flap, the core defining a distance between the first andsecond side walls; wherein a front perimeter around the outer edge ofthe first front flap and the outer edge of the second front flap is lessthan a rear perimeter around an outer edge of the first rear flap and anouter edge of the second rear flap; and wherein the first front flap andthe second front flap include a front set of apertures, and wherein thefirst rear flap and the second rear flap include a rear set ofapertures, the front set of apertures offset from the rear set ofapertures so as to not overlap each other.
 30. The mouth piece of claim29, wherein an outer edge of the first front flap and an outer edge ofthe second front flap include a respective sidewall having a non-planarbottom; and wherein the first rear flap and the second rear flap includea substantially smooth surface facing the non-planar bottom of the firstand second front flaps.
 31. The mouth piece of claim 30, wherein thedistance defined by the core between the first side wall and the secondside wall increases along the core starting from the ejection port tothe distal end of the mouth piece.
 32. The mouth piece of claim 31,further comprising an integral bite block.
 33. The mouth piece of claim32, wherein the body portion includes a receptacle configured to receivea respective adapter interlock when the ejection port is operablyengaged with a dental instrument adapter.
 34. The mouth piece of claim32, wherein the body portion includes a first receptacle configured toreceive a first respective adapter interlock when the ejection port isoperably engaged with a first dental instrument adapter, and wherein thebody portion includes a second receptacle configured to receive a secondrespective adapter interlock when the ejection port is operably engagedwith a second dental instrument adapter.
 35. A dental instrumentassembly comprising: a dental instrument adapter having a vacuum sourceconnection configured to connect to a vacuum source and a dentalinstrument connector that includes an adapter interlock; and a mouthpiece having a body portion connected to the dental instrument adapter,wherein the body portion includes an exhaust port and a receptacleconfigured to receive the adapter interlock when the exhaust port isengaged with the dental instrument connection of the dental instrumentadapter; wherein the mouth piece includes a core, a first front flap, asecond front flap, a first rear flap, and a second rear flap, whereinthe first front flap and the second front flap each having inner edgesconnected via the core, and wherein the first rear flap and the secondrear flap each having inner edges connected via the core; wherein anouter edge of the first front flap and an outer edge of the second frontflap include a respective sidewall having a non-planar bottom; andwherein the first rear flap and the second rear flap include asubstantially planar surface facing the non-planar bottom of the firstand second front flaps.
 36. The dental instrument assembly of claim 35,wherein a front perimeter around the outer edge of the first front flapand the outer edge of the second front flap is less than a rearperimeter around an outer edge of the first rear flap and an outer edgeof the second rear flap.
 37. The dental instrument assembly of claim 36,wherein the first front flap and the second front flap include a frontset of apertures, and wherein the first rear flap and the second rearflap include a rear set of apertures.
 38. The dental instrument assemblyof claim 37, wherein the front set of apertures are offset from the rearset of apertures so as to not overlap each other.
 39. The dentalinstrument assembly of claim 35, wherein the dental instrument adapterincludes a bore extending through the vacuum source connector and thedental instrument connector, and wherein the bore includes a diametergreater than or equal to a diameter of the vacuum source.
 40. The dentalinstrument assembly of claim 35, wherein the dental instrument adapterincludes a groove disposed around at the vacuum source connector forreceiving an o-ring that provides a swivel connection with a vacuumsource.